I am learning more than I ever thought was possible while “reading the entire bible in 90 days”. I say that in quotes because while there are exactly 90 readings that I will do, it will not be done in 90 days and my perfectionist self has learned to be okay with that. I have had to take time for myself, my family, to rest and I am learning that it is okay to slow down. I don’t agree 100% of the time so far, but not being in perfection is growing on me. Regardless, I’ve done the best that I can with destroying myself and I’m proud of that.
Micah and Nahum were random books of the Bible to me. They were nestled somewhere towards the end of the old testament and made okay baby names. I think I have heard verses quoted out of Micah, but nothing immediately jumps to the front. Micah details the destruction of Judah and Israel (Samaria) that will occur, a consequence for their idol worship and straying from the Lord. Nahum was a bit of a shock to me, its is an entire book on the destruction of Nineveh, who we read a few books ago about having done a complete 180, leaving behind their wickedness and choosing to follow the Lord. (I imagine Jonah jumping up and down saying, “I told you so, I was right”.) God’s justice on Nineveh will be so complete, that there will be no need for it to be repeated. Nineveh will be wiped out for their actions against others and Judah will rejoice.
I loved the reminder of what Israel has been asked to do to serve the Lord and its wisdom still apply today: do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God. The tasks are really not hard. Nahum on the other hand includes a beautiful, almost an entire chapter long on God’s character, leaving us with the characteristics that He is a jealous God, slow to anger, powerful and good. In a world filled with uncertainty, I take great comfort in knowing that my God is a big God.
Passage:
Micah & Nahum
Discovered:
Micah
- The Lord will come to destroy Judah & Israel (Samaria) for it’s idol worship.
- Mourn for you will go into exile.
- The wicked who plot against the poor will have their land taken by foreigners.
- Lately, His people have gone against the Lord.
- False prophets are heard, the people listen.
- Lord promises to gather the remnant and restore Israel.
- Your leaders do not care for the people, the prophets speak false good, but I (Micah) have the power to declare the sins of Israel and Judah and tell of their destruction.
- One day, there will be a kingdom created where we will be ruled by God and walk in His ways.
- Nations will rise against you and you will be in exile in Babylon but one day will return, rescued.
- Micah announces the ruler will come from Bethlehem who will be their peace (Jesus).
- He will make Israel strong and cleansed from idol worship.
- God indicts Israel: I rescued you many times, but you sin against Me.
- Israel: Should we bring sacrifices before you?
- God: I have told you before: I require you to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with me, your God.
- I will destroy the wicked for you have obeyed the statutes of idols and others.
- The righteous have perished, those left seek to do harm, even the leaders.
- Despite this, I have hope in the Lord.
- In the future, your blessing will come and I will restore you, forgiving you.
Nahum
- Nahum’s vision concerning Nineveh’s judgement
- The Lord is . . .
- a jealous God
- slow to anger
- powerful
- good
- Nineveh’s judgement will be complete, no need to repeat and Judah will rejoice.
- The sword will destroy Nineveh, flooded and plundered.
- She has brought this on herself for her actions against others.
- You will hide in fear, your fortress will fall, be destroyed by fire and consumed by locusts.
- Everyone will rejoice over your destruction.
Help me to remember:
that Judah and the remainder of Israel (Samaria) and Nineveh were to be destroyed and scattered for their failure to walk with God and their love of idols.
Lord, I ask that . . .
You help remind me to do what You have asked of me: “to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with my God” (Micah 6:8).
Heavenly Father, I am thankful for . . .
Your word given through prophets, writers and Your servants to learn from.
